
^f^ rkansuB ^ ouvenirs 





Oliver W. Jennings 




Class T^dASZf' 



Book 






(mm^-Mi3. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV 




Former Governor Dan W. Jones, 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

By 
OLIVER W. JENNINGS 

M 

Author of Brief Sketch and Directory of the 

First Class of Mississippi Valley 

Consistory, etc. 



EAST ST. LOUIS. ILLINOIS 
THE CALL PRINTING CO. 

1915 



75 3^^1 



Copyright 1915 

by 

Oliver W. Jennings. 
All rights reserved. 



mi 13 1915 

©CI.A416369 

*7i^ , I , 



9«M,«r. JOKES W.S.OAHAKER 

LAWYERS Noveniber 13. 1914. 

little: ft'OCK-.ARKANSAS 

Hev, Oliver W, Jennings, 

2141 East Pair Avenue, 
St. Louis, Mo. 
ISy dear Sir: 

Your very complimentary letter of the 10th inst, in- 
forming me of your desire of dedicating your book, "Arkansas 
Souvenirs" to me has "been received. I assure you that I feel 
flattered ty this and TTill within the next few days send you a 
good photo of myself and a post card photo of our New State 
Capitol Building. 

With many wishes for your happiness and success In 
life, I am 

Very truly, etc. , 



/)>J^~''?^^'~W^..^ 



§etttration 



To the Hon. Dan W. Jones, Little Rock, for two suc- 
cessive terms, Governor of Arkansas, now able and well 
known lawyer and popular citizen, this modest work, 
"Arkansas Souvenirs" is respectfully inscribed by his 
friend, the author, who had the honor of serving as a 
member of his personal staff, during the year 1898. 




First Christian Church, Pine Bluff Arkansas. 



Introductory Statement 

In September, 1893, the writer, by means of 
hard work and economy, found himself possessed 
of sufficient money to attend the World's Colum- 
bian Exposition at Chicago, but, having read in 
the Christian Leader an appeal from the little un- 
organized band of Christian brethren at Pine 
Bluff, Ark., he decided to give up the pleasure and 
profit of this long-time coveted trip and go to the 
help of the Lord's people. 

Having secured the services of Brother Samuel 
Pickens Spiegel, then a student in the College of 
the Bible, Lexington, Ky., and one of the now 
widely known preacher brothers of Alabama, as 
singing evangelist, in the following month, he be- 
gan a series of gospel meetings in the Presbyter- 
ian Church, at Pine Bluff, which meeting at the 
end of several weeks was transferred to the Jew- 
ish Temple, where a preliminary organization 
was effected. 

During the meeting. Brother Spiegel and my- 
self were kindly entertained and greatly aided by 



xiv INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT 

my brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. 
Taylor, to whose personal influence and loyai .^up- 
port our church at Pine Bluff is much indebted 
for past gratifying growth and present promi- 
nence among the Churches ii? the State. We were 
also cordially entertained and encouraged by Mr. 
John M. and Dr. Sam Taylor and their amiable 
wives, both of these latter uouples having since 
departed this earthly life. The brethren in gen- 
eral, as well as many other good citizens, added 
their best endeavors to the effective help received 
from those above named. 

We then visited Mr. and Mrs. Ben Taylor and 
Capt Henry R. Taylor on Hollywood Plantation, 
about fifty miles distant from Pine Bluff. 

While there, we enjoyed the Camp Hunt des- 
cribed in this book. 

Bro. Spiegel soon afterwards returned to his 
home, Falkville, Alabama, while the writer, in 
the interest of the young congregation at Pine 
Bluff, visited many cities of the State, including 
Little Rock, Argenta, Russellville, Dardanelle, 
Alma, VanBuren, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, 
Springdale, Rogers, and Siloam Springs. 



INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT xv. 

During ten days work at the last named place, 
he preached in a hall, also in the Methodist and 
Presbyterian Churches, deUvering a lecture in the 
Opera House, and a few days later, laid the corner- 
stone of the Christian Church. 

After having been everywhere cordially receiv- 
ed by the big hearted, hospitable people of the 
State, he returned to Pine Bluff and completed 
the organization of the Church, in the Jewish 
Temple. 

The writer returned to Arkansas in October, 
1897, lectured again in Merrill Institute for the 
benefit of the Pine Bluff church, again visited 
Hollywood Plantation, also a number of the towns 
before mentioned, and in the following Spring, 
laid the corner-stone of the present Church house 
at Pine Bluff. 

February 26, 1898, he was appointed Lieutenant 
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp on the Governor's Staff. 

In regard to the poems and stories, 'The Mys- 
tery of a Ring" was written at scenic Horse Cave, 
Ky., in August, 1897. 

The writer remembers with pleasure his cordial 



xvi. INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT 

reception at the hands of the intelligent and soc- 
iable people of Horse Cave, and deems it here fit- 
ting to add that the many lovely views in this city 
and its vicinity are conducive to the writing of 
romance. 

"Among the Arkansas Bayous ; or, Recollections 
of a Camp Hunt" was written in Louisville, the 
great metropoKs of famous "Old Kentucky," in 
July, 1900, and the poems, "Memories of Holly- 
wood" and "We Shall Meet Again," at Westport, 
Ky., in October, 1896, and June, 1900, respectively. 

Finally, the writer begs leave to express his 
sincere admiration for the great State of Arkan- 
sas and her wonderful resources, yet but partially 
developed. May her whole-souled, appreciative 
people ever continue to prosper! 
Yours very truly, 
OLIVER W. JENNINGS, 
St. Louis, Mo., October, 1915. 




First Christian Church, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 




Oliver W. Jennings, 



Arkansas Bmmnits 



Memories of Hollywood 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 



Memories of Hollywood 

(In remembrance of a visit in the fall of 1893, to the 
noted "Hollywood Plantation," located on the Bayou 
Bartholomew, in Drew and Desha counties, Arkansas, 
owned by the Taylor Brothers.) 

To Bayou Bartholomew come with me. 
Where the cypress grows and the holly tree; 
Where the sweet magnolia scents the air; 
And one sees beauty everywhere. 

The cotton, like great flakes of snow, 
Whitens the fields where'er you go; 
While all around, dense forests stand. 
That wall in Nature's fairyland. 

The southern moon gleams on the trees; 
The moss festoons sway in the breeze; 
Weird shadows move o'er waters fair. 
And Heaven's stars are mirrored there. 

The tinkling banjo and the song. 
The merry laugh of tenant throng, 
And mocking birds delight the ear. 
Unused such sylvan sounds to hear. 

Three Indian mounds upon the plain — 
Of vanished race all that remain — 
Add mystic romance to a scene 
As fair as traveler views, I ween. 

Old homestead, sure thy guests to cheer, 
Thine happy inmates need not fear 
That those who leave thy friendly door 
Will think not of them evermore. 

O! come to "Hollywood" with me! 
The old plantation let us see; 
Come, let us rest, forgetting care, 
And halcyon pleasures we shall share. 

25 



Among the Arkansas Bayous 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

Among the Arkansas Bayous; 

Or, Recollections of a Camp Hunt 

ra^|APTAIN Henry Taylor was a very busy 
^^^ man. He rode everywhere about his plan- 
tation rallying his tenants to the good 
work, the double work of getting up a big 
"Thanksgiving Dinner" and making the necessary 
preparations for an old fashioned camp-hunt, in 
the Mississippi River bottoms. The large resources 
of the plantation proved equal to the occassion. 
The barn yard supplied the genial and well ar- 
ranged table with a fine young shoat, and a big 
turkey, while adjacent fields furnished a fat quail 
for every guest and Bayou Bartholomew plenty of 
fish. Vegetables of many sorts, cake, pumpkin, 
and mince pies, cranberry sauce, coffee, tea and 
milk formed the principal items of a banquet 
that proved to be first class in every particular. 
Captain Taylor, who never failed to make a 
creditable showing on holiday occasions, had, at 
this time, exerted his best energies. 

The cause of all this was the arrival, the prev- 

29 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

ious day, of two special guests, Brother Sam P. 
Spiegel, a young theological student, traveling 
with me in the capacity of song-leader in Evan- 
gelistic work, and myself. 

Captain Taylor and I had met recently at Pine 
Bluff, after a separation of about twenty years, 
his father's family having removed from their 
plantation near Westport, Ky., when I was a 
young boy. At said meeting. Captain Taylor in- 
sisted upon our making him a visit, before we 
should leave the state, and finding us eager to 
enjoy a camp-hunt, he readily promised as an ad- 
ditional inducement, to organize a hunting party 
for our especial benefit. 

Our arrival at Hollywood, on Thanksgiving eve, 
1893, was the signal for general rejoicing; cor- 
dial greetings and hearty handshakings were fol- 
lowed by music, both vocal and instrumental, by 
the best talent the plantation could afford. The 
agreeable sounds of the banjo and violin seldom 
ceased to be heard, until the midnight hour, and 
furnished the means of a welcome serenade, dur- 
ing the meal hours of the next day. 

30 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

Nothing was left undone to render our recep- 
tion an ever-to-be-remembered event. 

After a five o'clock breakfast, the next day 
after Thanksgiving, we found everything in readi- 
ness for the start. 

Four horsemen lead the way, namely. Brother 
Spiegel, and Mr. S. M. Dennis, a foreman on the 
plantation, Mr. Miles Jones, an experienced hunt- 
er, and a colored man named Julius, who accom- 
panied the party in the capacity of cook and gen- 
eral utility man. A four-horse wagon, containing 
a tent, guns and ammunition, cooking utensils, 
provisions, etc., and in which rode Captain Taylor 
and myself, on a cushioned spring-board seat, 
brought up the rear. 

The weather was cool, yet bracing and quite 
comfortable, lacking the unpleasant chiUiness of 
more northern climates at this period of the year. 
Our corduroy trousers, heavy hunting shirts and 
jackets afforded us ample protection. Half an 
hour out, the southern sun shed its still warm rays 
around us. 

All nature seemed suddenly on the alert. More 

31 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

than one rabbit ran timidly across the road, squir- 
rels gamboled up and down the tree trunks and 
among the branches, and several covies of quail 
appeared along the road. Captain Taylor and I 
secured several real lucky shots and bagged five 
fine birds. 

Before reaching Winchester, others of our party 
increased our quota of quail by several birds and 
added three fine fox squirrels to the already well 
filled camp larder. 

The general store of Mr. Ben Taylor, at Win- 
chester, supplied us with such articles as were still 
lacking. 

Leaving said town, our course turned toward 
the southeast, bringing us presently to a great cy- 
press brake around which the road skirted for 
perhaps a quarter of a mile, after which we en- 
tered a forest which grew constantly denser un- 
til at night, we emerged into a small clearing on 
the banks of the large creek where we pitched 
our camp for the night. 

Juhus at once cut some wood, which he placed 

against the trunk of a fallen tree, and soon a 

blazing bonfire warmed the chilly atmosphere 

32 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

about the camp. A well-filled camp-kettle and 
coffee-boiler added savory odors to the air. Two 
huge pones of corn bread, baked in a pot-lid skil- 
let, and rashers of bacon broiled on a spit, under 
the special direction of Capt. Henry, completed a 
menu truly fit for the gods. 

A hearty supper was followed by a genuine 
"feast of reason and flow of soul," in the form of 
animated conversation, varied by jokes and witti- 
cisms, as well as by the relation of several inci- 
dents pertaining to camp life. 

Ten o'clock found us snugly tucked in bed, Jul- 
ius enjoying a comfortable pallet all to himself, 
while the remainder of us occupied two large mat- 
tresses placed side by side, resting upon small 
branches cut from neighboring trees, and covered 
with heavy double blankets and several comforts 
and quilts. 

Overcoats, hunting-jackets, or a saddle covered 
with the end of a comfort, formed our several pil- 
lows, the surrounding trees the walls of our bed 
room and the now darkly clouded skies our 
canopy. 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

Camp equipage, including provisions for man 
and beast, guns, ammunition, etc., were securely- 
shielded from the apparently threatening rain- 
storm. 

Before five o'clock next morning, we were 
rousted from our peaceful beds by a sudden 
shower of rain accompanied by broad flashes of 
lightning and loud peals of thunder. We hastily 
put on — almost jumped into — our clothes, and 
some crawled under the wagon-bed, while others 
somewhat rashly took refuge under a big tree. 

The rain, which for a time fairly came down in 
floods, soon virtually ceased to fall, and our cook, 
unmindful of an occasional sprinkHng, proceeded 
with the preparations for breakfast, for we must 
needs get an early start in order to reach our per- 
manent camping place before the noon hour. 

Recrossing the creek, an hour's journey brought 
us to the great levee, or embankment, that pro- 
tects the Louisiana sugar lands from the spring 
floods that cover this portion of the bayou region, 
in some places, to a depth of fifteen or eighteen 
feet. 

34 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

It required some time to get the wagon over this 
impediment and into the bottoms on the other 
side. 

After this, we had fairly smooth travelling, un- 
til we reached the proposed sight of our camp on 
the southern bank of bayou Amos, a beautiful and 
picturesque stream, and the resort, at this season, 
of innumerable water-fowl, both wild duck and 
wild goose. 

While awaiting the arrival of Julius on the 
mule, Messrs Jones, Dennis and Spiegel salHed out 
through the cane-brake across the bayou, in quest 
of fresh game for dinner. Capt. Taylor and my- 
self remained to guard the camp outfit from any 
possible intruders, also to clear off the grounds 
and make a table and puncheon seats. 

A log split half in two, with the flatside turned 
upwards and stout wooden pegs raising the bottom 
from the ground, formed the table, while a trunk 
of the fallen tree, with the top roughly faced, or 
smoothed with an ax, formed the seats. Further 
along, near the great roots of the tree, we built 
the camp-fire, dragging up pieces of drift-wood, 

35 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

and dead limbs of trees, found here and there, and 
pihng them in a heap upon the blaze. 

We had scarcely made these arrangements, ere 
our huntsmen returned to the camp with several 
squirrels and a fine canvass-back duck, which were 
f-.oon dressed, cut up, and placed in the kettle, 
forming the principle ingredient of a kind of camp 
stew for the making of which Captain Henry had 
long been famous. Potatoes, onions, red pepper, 
butter, salt, flour dumplings, and the necessary 
amount of water were the other ingredients of a 
truly palate tempting mess. Corn-pones, cold 
biscuit, with fresh country butter, cheese, cucum- 
ber pickles, and coffee comprised a meal to which 
hungry men did full justice. I had almost for- 
gotten to add that we had ginger snaps, apple- 
butter and excellent sorghum molasses for desert. 

The only thing that marred the pleasure of this 
auspicious occasion was the non-arrival of our 
man Julius by dinner time. Julius had been left 
in charge of the tent with instructions to bring it 
on to the camping ground, on the stout mule which 
he rode during the hunt, and, according to our cal- 

36 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

culations he ought to have been on hand more 
than an hour ago. 

His faithfulness and well known promptness 
made us begin to apprehend that some mishap 
had befallen him. We felt that we could not well 
get along without Julius. We could, indeed, con- 
trive to dispense with the tent, by building a rude 
hut, but this would require the expenditure of 
much time and labor and delay the carrying out 
of the programme we had arranged before leav- 
ing Hollywood. 

At length, when we had decided to send Miles 
Jones in search of him, we were much rejoiced 
over beholding him riding down the trail toward 
the camping grounds. 

Upon his arrival, our eyes were treated with a 
sorry looking spectacle, for rider, beast, and tent 
were dripping wet and literally covered with slimy 
mud. An explanation was soon made. Julius, in 
attempting to cross the creek, some miles back, 
over a bridge of floating logs moored at each end 
to the respective banks, had, unfortunately ap- 
proached too near one edge of the float, whereup- 

37 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

on, the tilting logs had precipitated rider, mule 
and tent into the deep, muddy waters below. Jul- 
ius clung desperately to both mule and tent, until 
the former managed to swim almost to shore, 
where he at once foundered in the heavy-sticky 
mud, leaving nothing but head and back above the 
murky waters. 

The greatly disconcerted Julius, not knowing 
what else to do, dismounted and stood nearly up 
to his waist in water and mud, clutching the bridle 
with his right hand and shouting for help. It 
very luckily happened that a negro squatter, living 
in a clearing on the edge of the swamp country, 
was beating up and down the woods in search of 
his wandering drove of hogs, and he, responding 
to the appeal, helped Julius to draw both mule and 
tent out upon the dry land. 

The dripping tent was rung out and hung be- 
fore the fire to dry and Julius, after some effort, 
succeeded in scraping the partially dried mud 
from his clothing, leaving only a few stains as a 
reminder of his recent plight. 

This having been done, we left him in charge of 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

the camp, Messrs. Dennis, Jones and Spiegel set- 
ting out for a lake about five miles distant, while 
Captain Taylor and myself rode down the bayou, 
in quest of such game as we might be able to find. 

For the first time in my life, a dream of my 
boyhood was realized. Many a time, while read- 
ing the adventures of Daniel Boone, the stories of 
Cooper and other incidents of pioneer life, I had 
longed to dwell for a season in a genuine forest, 
not alone, as had these heroic forerunners of civil- 
ization, for I am a born lover of congenial compan- 
ions, but with a party such as the one of which I 
was now a member. 

The Captain was one of the most interesting 
men it has been my privilege to meet. He was 
hospitable, agreeable and obliging in his manners, 
and possessed of that rare, sympathetic disposi- 
tion that enables one often intuitively to discern 
another's wishes before they have been expressed 
in words, and renders one ever ready to gratify 
their companions' higher desires. Skilled from boy- 
hood in the mysteries of woodcraft and possess- 
ing a mind well stored with information, he was 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

able to note every object of interest that lay with- 
in eye range from pathway, and his comments 
thereupon were always edifying. He pointed out 
the various cane brakes, and described the habits 
of the wild animals that were wont, at times, to 
seek their shelter, the monster grape vines laden 
with purple clusters that entwined the trunks and 
overhanging branches of many a lordly tree, the 
persimmon and pecan trees, with their profusion 
of ripened fruits, the various, strange noises of 
the forest, the slowly crumbling relics of the ab- 
original American, the beautiful waters of the 
bayou, upon whose serene bosom flocks of wild 
ducks were here and there merrily sporting, or 
some fish which suddenly leaped above its watery 
liaunts, its silvery scales gleaming in the sunlight 
ere its agile body fell splashing back into the 
depths. 

On every side, gayly feathered birds flitted 
from tree to tree, while their gladsome warblings 
supplied all that was lacking to make our romantic 
surroundings perfectly ideal in character. What 
wildly gnarled tree-trunks laden with hanging f es- 

40 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

toons of southern moss, the sight of which would 
make almost any natural woman clap her hands 
for very glee, more than once greeted our eyes. 
What bowery retreats deeply carpeted with fallen 
leaves whose shelter even the "Three Graces," 
might not have scorned. 

Truly, the world is all right ; the trouble is that 
man is not in harmony with his proper surround- 
ings, because he is not enrapport with the God 
that made him. 

Returned to camp an hour before supper time, 
an inventory was taken of the afternoon's tro- 
phies, when it was found that our united party 
had bagged in the aggregate, seven duck, two 
geese, and of squirrel more than a dozen — black 
and red fox and the common grey. No bear had 
been encountered and only two deer had been 
sighted, yet at too great a distance to be hit even 
by Miles Jones, the crack shot of our party. 

The inventory over, we at once began the work 
of setting up the tent, which we pitched in front 
of a great tree, the door facing the camp-fire. 

Everything liable to injury by the weather was 

41 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

securely stored away in the rear end of the tent, 
while the beds were made upon either side, leav- 
ing a narrow avenue between them leading to the 
supplies. Julius placed his pallet at the door, thus 
sleeping nearest the camp-fire. 

At midnight, I was awakened by a shrill cry 
whose weird echoes resounded through the forest. 
Startled at first by the unfamiliar call, I raised my- 
self upright and glanced hastily into the surround- 
ing gloom, for, though the rain had not fallen since 
early in the forenoon of our second day on the 
road, the sky was still overcast with threatening 
clouds. 

The fire, occasionally replenished during the 
night by Jones or Dennis, sent a genial heat into 
the tent, and, at times, blazing upward, cast a 
bright, but fitful light for many feet around, 
creating gaunt shadows that, for one moment, 
stood revealed to the sight in orthodox, ghostly 
fashion, only to vanish, the next moment, into the 
depths of the forest. The mystic and almost op- 
pressive stillness was, from time to time, broken 
by some strange wild cry, after which the occas- 

42 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

ional quacking of the wild duck up the bayou, or 
the ''honk" of the wild goose, proved to be quite a 
relief. 

A feeling of great solemnity, akin to awe, came 
upon me. 

How great is Nature! How small, how well- 
nigh powerless, is man ! Although the lord of na- 
ture, so long as he intelligently lives in accordance 
with the laws of nature, he is nature's slave and 
victim, whenever he violates any of her laws. 

God, doubtless, so willed when He created the 
world and made man the master of it, and thus, 
from the beginning of time. He has been teaching 
man the principle declared by the Apostle Paul to 
the sages, on Mars Hill, "In Him we live and 
move, and have our being." Acts 17:28. Only 
through God's grace and with His help can man 
become enabled to discern these laws, and to obey 
them so that he may become what God has 
throughout the ages intended him to be, a being 
"but a little lower than God," Ps. 8:5; and, con- 
sequently, the qualified, and thus fitting, ruler of 
the world in which he dwells. 

43 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

I had listened but a few minutes before the 
shrill cry was repeated, and I at once, recognized 
the call to be that of the swamp-owl, a well known 
inhabitant of this region. 

Since then, I have heard this peculiarly thrill- 
ing cry almost perfectly imitated by more than 
one Arkansas hunter, and have found his owl- 
ship's capacious stuffed body to be an ornament in 
many a parlor. 

Shortly before daybreak, it rained again, the 
rain coming down in torrents, so that when the 
storm was over, the air became so chilly that we 
made haste to replenish the partially quenched 
camp-fire, until it became a blazing log heap, and 
to put on our heaviest garments. Captain Henry 
and I even deeming it necessary, for a while, to 
wear overcoats. 

It was Sunday, and so, out of respect for the 
day, from breakfast until the noon hour, not a 
soul stirred from the camp. 

Shortly before dinner, at the request of Capt. 
Henry, I read a passage from the New Testament 
and offered a brief prayer. Our simple service 

44 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

was concluded by the singing of Capt. Henry's 
favorite hymn, "When the Roll is Called up Yon- 
der," the voice of Brother Spiegel effectively lead- 
ing the sweet notes of praise sent up to a throne of 
grace by the little congregation that had been tem- 
porarily planted in that section ot a vast wilder- 
ness. 

Yes, we may rightfully call this a kind of in- 
formal church service, for a church does not con- 
sist in material things, wood, brick, stone, gothic 
doors and windows, and costly ornaments, but in 
consecrated human beings — a body of believers, 
small or large, banded together for the purpose 
of divine worship and mutual helpfulness. Well 
says the poet, 

"The groves were God's first temples, 
Ere man learned to lay the arch 
Or hew the architrave." 

"The afternoon and night quietly, yet pleasant- 
ly passed, and the rising rays of Monday's sun 
were the bright harbingers of a beautiful day. 

This day, we secured much small game, but 
were disappointed in our hopes of getting a deer. 

In the afternoon Brother Spiegel and I sighted 

45 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

several wild hogs with a litter of pigs, which, upon 
our nearer approach disappeared in a canebrake. 

This day Capt. Taylor rode across the country 
to busy Arkansas City, where he had a gun re- 
paired by an expert gunsmith. 

The next day (Tuesday), was to be the last day 
of the hunt, and so we decided to put forth our 
utmost efforts to secure a deer before breaking 
camp. 

Our chief reliance was upon Miles Jones who 
had spent a number of winters in these swamps, 
and had never failed to kill many deer. 

He sallied forth from camp, accompanied by 
Messrs Dennis and Spiegel, JuHus remaining in 
guard the camp, while Captain Henry and myself 
crossed the bayou on a bridge formed by a fallen 
tree, whose roots adherred to one bank while its 
top touched the other. 

The Captain carried a breech-loading shotgun 
charged with buckshot, I a Winchester rifle. Ar- 
rived on the other side, we struck out through the 
cane brake and presently reached the woods again, 
which we traversed for some time in quest of 

deer. 

46 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

We sighted one deer, but Capt. Henry was pre- 
vented from taking a shot at him by myself get- 
ting between him and the coveted prize — I was so 
agitated over seeing my first wild deer that I, un- 
fortunately, became unable either myself to fire or 
to allow the Captain a chance to do so. 

Captain Henry laughingly described my condi- 
tion as an unmistakable case of "buck ague." 

As we tramped along, we discovered many 
traces of deer and wild hog and a few bear tracks, 
but when we started back to camp, our game bags 
v/ere burdened with nothing except a number of 
fox-squirrels, and one mallard duck. 

Just before sighting the canebrake, we lost 
our way, and do whatever we could, we failed to 
find it again. 

After we had traversed and retraversed several 
miles of territory, we, about sundown, found it 
necessary to shout for help, when to our great 
delight, we were almost immediately answered by 
the voice of JuHus, thus plainly indicating to us 
the direction of the camp. We struck out forth- 
with in the direction of the voice, from time to 

47 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

time, hallooing and being answered, until we had 
again passed through the canebrake and come 
out within fifty yards of the natural bridge, by 
which we soon crossed over to the camp. 

While we were busy with preparations for the 
supper, the climax of our enjoyment was reached, 
by the arrival of Miles Jones and party with a 
fine buck. 

It required but a few moments to prepare and 
drive down two small posts with the forked ends 
pointing upwards, from the cross beam of which 
the animal was suspended head downwards. 

The deer and other game we now had in our 
possession, afforded us all the necessary trophies 
for exhibition among the home-folks at Holly- 
wood and so we were, at last, altogether happy. 

The heart of the deer formed a new ingredient 
of that night's camp-stew. 

Jokes were related with a renewed zest, the 
various creditable anecdotes and harmless yarns, 
told by the Captain and Miles Jones, seemed to us 
to be unusually appropriate to the occasion, and, 
when late that night, I looked out rrom my bed 

48 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

and beheld the moonlight flooding the woods with 
its effulgence, the proudest object upon which my 
eyes rested was that magnificent buck with wide- 
ly spreading and forked horns slowly swaying in 
the gentle breeze before the door of the tent. 

Next morning, we broke up camp and took the 
back track for home, arriving there safe and ex- 
ulting in spirit late Thursday afternoon. 

Brother Spiegal and I remainea at Hollywood 
until Saturday, when, much refreshed by our in- 
teresting experiences, we returned to work at 
Pine Bluff. 

THE END. 



49 



The Mystery of a Ring 




ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 



The Mystery of a Ring 

EAUTIFUL Hollywood plantation! There 
are few people in Southeast Arkansas who 
have not heard of thee. Thy vast extent 
—eleven thousand acres — thy great cotton fields, 
generous tracts of corn lands, wide stretches of 
sombre forest, fair Bayou Bartholomew dividing 
thy domain asunder, with its blue waters softly 
rippling to balmy Southern breezes, and its banks 
walled in with the moss laden cypress, the fra- 
grant magnolia, and the Hawthorne adorned with 
scarlet berries — all these and many another charm 
are thine, charms that seem destined to make 
thee famous far beyond State lines. 

But, kind reader, it is not our present object to 
give vent to rhapsodies over this earthly paradise, 
but to sketch, instead, the outHne of a human Hfe 
— a youthful career, blessed, at the outset with 
all the advantages of gentle birth and earthly 
riches, pregnant with the brightest promises of 
future usefulness and success, yet, at the last, 

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shrouded with the gloomy clouds of unappeasable 
grief, enveloped in mystery, till, at length, rudely 
cut short by a dread physical ailment, which to the 
sufferer, let us earnestly trust, proved to be but 
the material garb that of ttimes masks from mortal 
view the lovely and welcome form of God's min- 
istering Angel of Release. 

It is upon a genial April morning that our 
story opens with the unexpected arrival at Holly- 
wood house of a handsome, noble looking young 
man, whose face and bearing guaranteed him the 
reception due to a gentleman, despite the fact 
that his clothes were ''somewhat the worse for 
wear." 

Dr. John Taylor, the owner of the plantation, 
more familiarly known, in sections of several 
States as ''Dr. Jack," was a personage fully cap- 
able of looking beneath the mere surface of things, 
truly realizing that "A man's a man for a' that", 
and the other members of his immediate family — 
six sturdy sons and a fair young daughter — were 
excellent examples of that type of humanity 
which, to so large an extent, redeems society from 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

the curse of selfishness. So, this stranger met 
with a cordial welcome, that without further for- 
mality, established him as a friend among friends 
in this sympathetic household. 

''But," near the close of the week, remonstrated 
the erstwhile stranger, "I feel it would be wrong 
longer to accept your hospitality without a recom- 
pense to you and yours, or, at least, the making of 
an effort on my part, albeit a feeble one, in that 
direction." 

"Nonsense, sir!" rejoined Dr. Jack, with royal 
good humor beaming in his face. '*I beg your par- 
don, sir, for so abruptly gainsaying you, but I 
know of no milder term than nonesense by which 
to characterize your scruples. In spite of all my 
failings sir, I honestly beheve I may still claim to 
be a gentleman. I am a Kentuckian, sir, born and 
bred as such, and I know how to appreciate the 
presence of a guest of your merits, if you feel you 
can continue to put up with the many inconveni- 
ences, not to say discomforts, of this place." 

So, Henry St. George, (for such was the guest's 
name) was fain to content himself as best he could, 

55 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

meanwhile insisting on lending a helping hand in 
the general business affairs of the plantation. He 
''clerked" in "the store," sometimes directed cer- 
tain of the negro laborers in their work, and even 
went so far, at times, (Dr. Jack being absent from 
the scene) as to "make a hand" in more menial 
labor alongside of the Doctor's sons. 

Yet one peculiarity marked his every look and 
action — a manifest lack of real interest in the 
duties and, especially, the pleasures of life. 
Though in this world, he seemed not of it. His 
manners, somehow, gave one the impression of a 
bird out of its native air, or of a fish out of its 
watery element. 

This air of incessant preoccupation was so ap- 
parent, even to the casual observer that few per- 
sons could come into his presence without instinct- 
ively sympathizing with him. What could be the 
reason of this strange feehng of apathy? What 
the cause of this atmosphere of melancholy — in 
which he veritably seemed to "live, and move, and 
have his being?" were questions that involuntar- 
ily rose to the Hps of all who met him. 

§6 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

But there was none to answer them. And, as 
for Henry St. George, one might as well expect an 
answer from the Egyptian Sphinx, as to hope to 
learn from his sealed lips the secret clew to his 
evidently interesting past and strange present. 
In short, all sympathized with and yearned to help 
him, but he was so dignified in deportment and 
non-committal in conversation, that none dared 
trespass upon the sacred domain of his private af- 
fairs. 

Strangest of all, however, was his veneration for 
an oddly fashioned gold ring, with a fine opal set, 
which he constantly wore upon the little finger of 
his left hand. He would gaze upon it, for minutes 
at a time, as if oblivious to all things else in this 
world; he would alternately smile and weep over 
it, and, again, would kiss it rapturously as if it 
were a living thing, very precious to him. He al- 
ways seemed to apprehend that some one would 
rob him of this treasure. If, for instance, any 
one attracted by his peculiar demeanor, should be 
impelled to look somewhat intently at the ring, he 
would suddenly divert his glance from this grand, 

57 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

central object of his interest, and surprise the of- 
fender with a haughty, half threatening stare, 
which was sure to put an effectual damper upon 
such inquisitiveness. 

Dr. Jack and his family prompted by the usual 
delicacy of feeling characteristic of highly bred 
people, were careful not to offend their mysterious 
guest in this as in all other respects, yet, being 
only human, like the rest of us, they often caught 
themselves seriously conjecturing as to the mean- 
ing of this man's strange actions. "Athough I 
should like to know what the dickens the good fel- 
low means by all this carrying on over a ring," re- 
marked Dr. Jack, one day, "I shall, most assuredly, 
never allow my curiosity to get the better of my 
manners. If he does not see fit to take us into 
his confidence in regard to this matter, it is un- 
doubtedly his privilege to remain silent there- 
upon." 

But, in course of time, an event transpired 
which caused St. George partially to depart from 
his poHcy of complete silence. It so happened, 
that a young man from Kentucky, yet, thank God ! 

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by no means a typical Kentuckian, came South to 
labor on the plantation — a fellow whose chief trait 
of character was a sort of low cunning. Ignorance, 
vulgarity of taste and deportment, ungovernable 
curiosity, and a proneness occasionally to appropri- 
ate to his ov/n use the property of others, were 
other traits that formed a background from which 
the aforesaid chief trait shone forth as a bright, 
particular star. Physically viewed, he was like- 
v/ise equally unpreposessing. To a tall, burly fig- 
ure, just add a suit of coarse, sandy colored hair, a 
mustache of the same hue, with mouth and light 
blue eyes plainly marked with the brand of sen- 
suality, and you have a pretty accurate portrait of 
this fellow — a being who seemed to be sadly out 
of his proper element when in the society of re- 
spectable people, one, perchance, destined to enact 
a ruffian's part in the drama of human life. 

For sweet charity's sake, and in consideration 
of the feelings of his relatives by blood and mar- 
riage, we shall not give his real name, but, in lieu 
thereof, shall here employ the title of 'Tseudo 
(false) Kentuckian," and hence-forth, throughout 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

this narrative, for the sake of brevity, we shall 
designate him simply as Pseudo-K. 

Well, within twenty-four hours after Pseudo- 
K's. arrival, our devotee of the ring, was made 
keenly to realize that there are some people 
in this world whose spirit of curiosity, 
alas! all too easily aroused, is not only 
painfully vigilant, but indomitable to the bitter 
end of every social struggle. Devoid both of re- 
finement of character and self-respect, they pur- 
sue their self-appointed task of investigation with 
a tireless energy of purpose, with a brazen indeli- 
cacy, or, rather, sheer heartlessness of feeling 
which will, as a rule, finally break through the 
strongest barriers of dignified reserve, and, in a 
frenzy of delight over the attainment of this tri- 
umphant climax, like the vulture, they swoop 
down upon their shuddering victim, tear at his 
very heartstrings, gloat over his anguish, laugh to 
scorn his remonstrant appeals, and invite the 
whole world to come and admiringly behold an- 
other successful operation in the field of social and 
moral vivisection ! 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

In fact, almost from the moment of their meet- 
ing, Pseudo-K., to use the suggestive language of 
the "fistic ring" virtually "began to spar for an 
opening" of attack. 

For the time being, it seemed as if the high 
bred St. George would prove to be more than a 
match for his vulgar assailant. At any rate, the 
latter presently retired from the field of combat, 
with the crestfallen air of a squelched gossip. The 
victory, however, was apparent rather than real 
The afternoon of that same day, witnessed Pseu- 
do-K's return to the attack. 

St. George was lounging on the bank of the 
Bayou, under a fine holly tree, whose wide-spread- 
ing and densely leaved branches afforded him a re- 
freshing retreat from the still well-nigh bhster- 
ing rays of the declining sun. A book of poems 
was in his hand and ever and anon he turned over 
a new leaf, Hstlessly scanning its contents, until, 
at length, his beautiful, melancholly, dark blue 
eyes chanced to fall upon the line, "Tis better to 
have loved and lost than never to have loved at 
all." 

61 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

Straightway he dropped the book upon the 
ground, a sound half sigh, half a sob burst from 
his lips, a mist of tears gathered in his eyes, and 
a tiny stream therefrom fell upon the ring, as he 
raised it instinctively toward his face. Again 
and again he kissed it, his bosom heaving the 
while, through the unutterable emotions of his 
soul, his eyes more than once turned upon the 
sky, and his hands clasped, as if he were engaged 
in silent prayer. 

Now, at this solemn juncture, like a hideous dis- 
cord breaking in upon strains of music, the gruff, 
uncultured voice of Pseudo-K. smote painfully 
upon St. George's ear, "Hello ! there, Harry ! what 
on earth is the matter with you, anyhow! You 
act just like a crazy man, fooling with that old 
ring of yours. Ha! ha! ha! how it almost made 
me bust with laughin' to see you a kissin' the old 
trinket, Hke mad!" Then, before the astounded 
St. George could find words for a reply, he thus 
continued : "Why on earth, man, don't you *make 
a mash' on some of these purty country girls they 

62 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

claim to have around here ? I'd hug and kiss some 
of them, old fellow, and let that pesky ring take 
care of itself!*' 

"But say, now Mister St. George," concluded our 
clown, "ain't you never goin' to tell a body why 
you prize that ring so high ? I declare for a fact 
you had better do so, right away, as your conduct 
is causin' a sight of talk all over the neighbor- 
hood, and I don't believe Dr. Jack and his folks will 
keep you much longer, if you don't explain mat- 
ters satisfactorily. 

"You see, if I once understood all about the case, 
I could soon make everything alright between you 
and the doctor. I stand in well with him, and for 
that matter, with all the folks, as I shouldn't be 
surprised you've already found out for yourself, 
without my havin' to tell you." 

Pseudo-K's victim had now finally regained his 
wonted com.posure of manner. Sizing up his inquis- 
itor with one brief, contemptuous glance, he re- 
joined, "I could not, for a moment, gain my con- 
sent to inflict upon your, may I say disinterested 
( ?) ears any discussion of my private personal af- 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

fairs. Consequently with due gratitude for your 
proffered assistance, which I must positively de- 
cline to accept, allow me, sir, to wish you a very 
good evening." And thus, turning on his heel, 
without further delay, the gentleman once more 
skilfully foiled the efforts of the boor at probing 
to the bottom of the Hollywood mystery. 

Yes, truly may we say he was merely foiled for 
the time being in the prosecution of his sinister 
undertaking, inasmuch as he now determined some 
how or other to carry it out to a successful conclu- 
sion, unless all the power of his tricky nature 
should not avail him as a sufficient offset against 
the sarcastic urbanity of his noble opponent. As 
far as he was capable of appreciating any sort of 
reproof, he felt aggrieved by St. George's sharp, 
yet frigidly courteous reply, but it was the evi- 
dent air of superiority so naturally assumed by 
the latter, that nettled him far more than the 
words, or, indeed, than any words that the gen- 
tleman could possibly have uttered. 

A new scheme was now evolved from his re- 
sourceful brain. It was as follows: He should 

64 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

contrive, in some way, to steal the ring from its 
owner. This would, in all probabihty, compel St. 
George to institute a public search for its recovery, 
and who could foretell but that, under the excite- 
ment of his loss and through the intensity of his 
desire to regain this revered, yet mysterious ob- 
ject of affection, the latter might be surprised into 
yielding up to pubHc knowledge the tenaciously 
guarded secret of his peculiar conduct. 

"Then too," thought Pseudo-K., "I shall make 
a little money out of the transaction ; for, what is 
there to hinder a fellow, after the hubbub over 
the loss of the ring has quieted down a bit, from 
slipping off to some neighboring plantation fif- 
teen or twenty miles from here, and selling the 
old thing for three or four dollars to some darky ? 
It'll be pay day all around these parts, week after 
next, so, I'll be dog-goned if I don't manage to 
do this very thing, or know the reason why, that's 
what!" 

This undertaking having thus been resolved 
upon, an opportunity was soon afforded for the 
taking of the first step in the plot — the attempted 

65 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

theft of the ring. St. George, on ttie second day- 
after his late encounter with Pseudo-K., found 
himself unable to leave his bed. The malady — 
typhoid-malarial fever, — had gradually been ac- 
quiring a hold upon his hitherto excellent consti- 
tution, but, although he had felt badly for some 
days past — had experienced that increasingly un- 
easy feeling, so prophetic of impending illness — 
he had bravely gone forward in the faithful per- 
formance of his self-appointed daily tasks, by no 
means realizing the peril of his condition. 

But, now, with the baleful spell of the fever 
upon him, forced to confront the possibility of a 
lingering siege of sickness, perhaps, resulting in 
death itself, he began to appreciate, more truly 
than ever before, the utter loneliness of his situ- 
ation. 

"Oh, God ! why was I ever born into this world !" 
he moaned, as his fever-burning head lay restless- 
ly tossing among the pillows. "Why, oh why, are 
human beings given hearts, aye, cursed with 
hearts, only to have them broken, that they may, 
at least, find relief in death ; sometimes, as in my 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

case, broken by slow—Oh, so painfully slow !— de- 
grees? Would to God I had died that morning, 
when, with the rising sun, began the life-long 
future of my misery !" 

A fev/ days later, the crisis of the disease was 
at hand. The strong, handsome physique had 
been wasted to but a shadow of its former self, 
the sunken white eyelids partially concealed the 
once glorious eyes, the luxurient chestnut curls, 
clustered in dishevelled yet glossy ringlets, around 
the brow of this, another Apollo, and, as the sun- 
light, dimly forcing its way into the sick-room, 
despite the closed doors and blinded windows, fell 
upon them, their warm, bright color but the more 
vividly emphasized the deep palor of the sunken 
cheeks. 

Dr. Jack and family had certainly done every- 
thing within their power to alleviate the suffering 
of their guest, and, if possible, to save his life in 
the end ; and, in this laudable work of humanity, 
they had been nobly seconded by nearly every one 
living on the plantation, for St. George had, long 
ere this, won all hearts by his gentle, dignified 



67 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

bearing. Everyone felt the better for having 
formed his acquaintance. His amiable looks and 
kindly words of greeting for all could not soon be 
forgotten by any who had met him. 

In the negro quarters, along the bayou, the 
sound of banjo and violin was no longer to be 
heard. No more did merry shout burst forth 
from dusky groups gathered in and around the 
cabins, at night time. The voice of song was 
hushed in the calm of mournful expectancy. The 
mocking-bird and its feathered neighbors alone 
broke the general silence with their sweet notes 
of life and joyousness. But frequent petition 
was sent up to a throne of grace, by pious lips, in 
many an humble abode, and the constant inquiry 
among the laborers, whether at work in the great 
cotton fields, now "white unto the harvest," at the 
big gin-house, or driving the wagons laden with 
cotton bales, or cotton seed, to the market, was 
"How's Massa St. George gittin' 'long by dis 
time?" And the question was quite often fol- 
lowed with some such heartfelt exclamation as "I 
hope ter de Lo'd he's gwine ter git well, suah !" 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

To the solicitous interest of all these people, 
were added the sympathy and charitable efforts of 
many others Hving in the vicinity of Hollywood 
plantation. Daintily prepared dishes of food, fit 
to tempt the appetite of an epicure, together with 
sundry bouquets of fragrant flowers, found their 
way, from time to time, into the sick man's room. 
Moreover, more than once, the Doctor's interest- 
ing patient was honored by a visit from a bevy of 
neighboring belles, who gracefully came to proffer 
their services supplementary to the unremitting 
labors of the anxious household. Now, that the 
fateful turning point had been reached, a feeling 
of great suspense pervaded every mind. 

"Just look at his poor, emaciated hands !" cried 
the pitying voice of a dark eyed rural beauty. 
"And do look at his ring, for which everybody 
says he has such a strange love. I don't see how 
it stayed on his finger at all, since the flesh has 
fallen away so!" 

Only one person out of all this number was in- 
different as to the sufferings and final fate of our 
hero. The reader may readily conjecture as to 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

who this person was. It was none other than the 
wrethched Pseudo-K. We have termed him 
wretched, because a being devoid of the sentiment 
of honor, and lacking as well in refinement of man- 
ners and kindness of heart, is, beyond all doubt, a 
wretched and pitiable object in the eyes of God 
and all decent people. Therefore, we sincerely 
trust that the reader will not fail to render a ver- 
dict of justice tempered with mercy, when inform- 
ed that Pseudo-K. spent his time, during the en- 
tire period of St. George's illness, in concocting 
various schemes in order to get the latter's ring 
into his own possession. 

But, "The best laid plans of mice and men gang 
aft a'glee". And such proved to be the case in 
this instance. Only after the period of convales- 
cence apparently had become well advanced, was 
the invalid left unguarded for a single moment, 
and, even then, for good and sufficient reasons, 
(as the reader shall soon learn) only once. It had 
been the busiest day of the season, both in the 
fields and in the *'big house." Two facts had con- 
spired to bring about this state of affairs; first, 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

(for the duty of hospitality is always regarded as 
being of the most importance, by the members of 
a genuine Southern household, especially one of 
the old fashioned type) the Doctor had several 
additional guests to entertain; second, the price 
of cotton had reached what was generally judged 
to be the "high water mark," and all hands were 
being rushed to get it on the market, before pres- 
ent prices should begin to fall. The one fact nec- 
essitated among diverse other things, the prepar- 
ing of an extra "big dinner," while the other fact, 
perhaps, involved the gain or loss of several thou- 
sand dollars on the aggregate value of the year's 
cotton crop. 

Our patient, who was able, by this time, to sit 
up in bed, propped among the pillows, and, for a 
limited period, each day, to occupy an easy rock- 
ing chair, having learned the reason of all this 
unusual degree of activity, begged Dr. Jack just 
to leave him to himself, at least during the re- 
mainder of the day. But the doctor would not con- 
sent to this, and the result was that Pseudo-K., 
for the want of a better substitute, was left alone 



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in the room with his intended victim. 

"Don't talk the gentleman to death," admon- 
ished Dr. Jack, upon retiring from the apartment. 
"Keep your inquisitive tongue to yourself, sir, for 
this one time, if possible. Mr. St. George still 
needs rest and quiet; so, you would better speak 
only when it is necessary for you to do so." 

Thus left alone, and at a fair point of advan- 
tage, Pseudo-K. studiously awaited his long hoped 
for opportunity. Surely it has now come to him. 
The invalid has, at last, fallen asleep. Upon the 
very edge of the bed rests the shapely white hand 
and, from the little finger thereof, gleams the 
opal set in the quaintly fashioned ring. 

Pseudo-K. requires but a moment stealthily to 
reach the bedside. He has clutched the golden 
prize. Cautiously he begins to draw it from the 
unresisting hand. His plan is at once to leave the 
room, after securing the ring; then send some 
darkey young or old, male or female — any one he 
may find shall suffice his purpose — to take his 
(Pseudo-K's) place at St. George's bedside. This 
will, in all probability, be an easy thing to do, 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

since all of the negroes love "poor, sick, young 
Massa !" 

It will then be in order to charge the crime upon 
the innocent darkey. It is, of course, of little or 
no consequence what may befall the poor tool of 
a designing scoundrel. He may be beaten, kick- 
ed and cuffed, driven from the plantation in dire 
disgrace, but what shall it matter anyhow? It's 
only a black "nigger" that'll get used up a little 
bit. 

It is highly probable that this despicable scheme 
would have worked out about as its originator 
complacently intended it should, had not the sleep- 
er awakened in the very "nick of time" to prevent 
it from so doing. 

"What do you mean, sir, by meddling with my 
ring? exclaimed St. George. 

"Come, now, Harry ! Oh, come now !" glibly re- 
joined Pseudo-K. "You don't think I meant to 
steal it, do you? Why, I wouldn't have the old 
trinket as a gift, old fellow. It'll be of no earthly 
use to me, you see." 

"Then why, may I inquire, did you slip it off 

73 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

my finger?" remarked St. George. 

''Slip it off your finger," expostulated Pseudo-K., 
assuming, as well as he could, the a^r of martyred 
innocence. ''Why, I was only trying to slip it back 
on your finger, without waking you up ! You know, 
the doctor said you needed rest and quiet. You see 
your hand fell over the edge of the bed while you 
was asleep, and, somehow — I reckon it's because 
your hand has lost so much of its meat lately, — 
the ring was about to drop off onto the floor, so, 
I just thought I'd try to shove it t)ack on again, 
and then lay your hand further over on the bed, 
so it'd be more likely to stay on where it belong- 
ed." 

"Well," repHed St. George, "God alone knows 
the secret thoughts of the human heart. I am 
not capable of judging you, and, consequently, 
shall make no attempt at so doing, lest I should 
judge you wrongfully. I have, therefore, no other 
alternative but to accept your explanation and to 
beg your pardon, if I have suspicioned you un- 
justly." 

Then, looking Pseudo-K. somewhat sternly in 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

the face, with just a tinge of sarcastic emphasis 
in his voice, he said, "ObHge me, sir, by never 
again putting yourself to the least trouble con- 
cerning my ring." 

Dr. Jack now put in his appearance, and sent 
Pseudo-K. about his usual business. The doctor's 
poHcy toward Pseudo-K. was sans peur, sans eere- 
monie— without fear, without ceremony. Hearti- 
dispising his character, he could, at times, scarce- 
ly restrain himself from kicking the conceited and 
meddlesome boor off his premises. So, when 
St. George narrated to him the recent episode of 
the ring, he instantly and fiercely vowed that, if 
this low down fellow should ever again so much as 
touch the ring with the tip-end of his little finger, 
he would kick him clear over to Winchester, (the 
nearest railroad station.) 

He also took special pains to assure his patient 
and guest that he should never more allow Pseudo- 
K. to enter the sick-room. *1 shall detail one of 
my sons — two of them, if necessary — to guard 
you against any contemplated outrage, in the 
future," promised Dr. Jack, as final and indisput- 



75 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

able evidence of his disapproval of Pseudo K's. 
conduct. 

"Sir, you have won my heart completely!" 
cried St. George, moved to tears of gratitude, in 
view of all the doctor's past and present kindness 
toward him, "and, yet, I have not even now found 
it in my heart to cease asking for favors at your 
all too generous hands." 

"Ask for what you will, my young friend," was 
the doctor's cordial reply. "I know you will never 
make an improper request. 

"Since you have been with us," he added, we 
have been able to offer you only the poor comforts 
of a widower's home, while on the other hand 
your presence has proven an ever increasing 
source of pleasure to all on the place. Hence, I 
beg of you. Sir, not to refer again to any suppos- 
able obligations to us that you may imagine your- 
self to be resting under. Any such obligation can 
be only of a mutual nature, since the slightest fa- 
vor we may have accorded to you has been fully 
reciprocated by you in return." 

"I shall crave, then, yet another boon of you, 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

and truly I am inclined to think it may be the 
last I shall ever ask." As he thus remarked, St. 
George gazed out through the opposite window 
upon the glorious noonday sun, pensively bowed 
his still handsome face, into which a vestige of 
the old-time color had crept again, and sighed 
heavily. 

"Do you know, Doctor," continued St. George, "I 
at this moment, apprehend that my earthly life, 
hke yonder sun, has reached the zenith of its 
horizon ? Somehow, within the past few days, the 
impression has been growing upon me that the 
end of my pilgrimage — Oh, such a dreary pilgrim- 
age it has proven for nearly these five years past ! 
— is near at hand." 

"I was only 27 years old, on my birthday, the 
14th of last May, but the experience of these five 
years just referred to, has made me feel, mentally, 
at least, like a man of three score and ten." 

Of course, the kind hearted doctor did all with- 
in his power to remove this gloomy impression, 
taking care, the while — true gentleman that he 
was — not to manifest the least interest of an ob- 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

trusive character in his guest's romantic past life. 

The grateful guest, as the result of such con- 
siderate treatment, was tempted, more than once, 
during this interview, to take Doctor Jack fully 
into his confidence in regard to the facts of his 
personal history, and it was only his peculiarly 
sensitive disposition that actually prevented him 
from so doing. As Doctor Jack once said of him, 
"His character combined all the fortitude of mind 
and high sense of honor of a noble man, with the 
refined delicacy of a true woman." 

"But, now. Sir," said the doctor, "ere I leave you, 
for the time being, in order to rejoin our other 
guests, before dinner is announced, I pray you to 
feel yourself perfectly at liberty to make known 
to me the nature of the desired favor to which 
you have recently referred." 

"Oh, yes," responded St. George, "owing to the 
distracting anxiety of the moment, I had well 
nigh forgotten to inform you as to what it is. It 
is simply this : Should I die while under your roof, 
will you kindly see to it that I am buried with this 
ring on my finger just as it now is?" 

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"In such an event," replied Mr. Jack, firmly and 
gravely, "I shall certainly see that this is done. 
Your expressed will in this, as in all other reason- 
able respects, so far as it may lie within my power 
to control future events, shall be carried out to 
the very letter. 

"And, now, I must bid you farewell, for a brief 
season, but, in the meantime, please to make 
known your every want to the servant who will 
presently be in attendance upon you." 

The next day. Dr. Jack was unexpectedly called 
to New Orleans, on business of importance. Before 
leaving home, he gave all necessary directions in 
regard to the physical and social comforts of his 
patient, who was now deemed to be well on the 
way leading to final recovery. But, in respect to 
this matter, St. George's friends were destined to 
be sadly disappointed. That very evening, a 
change for the worse occurred. The relapse, so 
much dreaded in such ailments, had set in. 

Dr. Jack did not return home until the morning 
of the sixth day after his departure. His unfor- 
tunate guest had, then, been dead for several 
hours. 

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It was generally believed that could the doctor 
have remained with his late patient, during this 
second period of attack, his skill as a physician 
might have availed to avert this unseemly ending 
of a young and promising life, dear to the hearts 
of many people, but the experienced physician 
thought otherwise. 

**He seemed, all along," remarked the doctor, "to 
have but little interest in living; indeed, a few 
days ago, he informed me that he had a strong im- 
pression to the effect that he should not get well 
of this sickness. 

'*I could not realize, at the time, how correct this 
impression would soon prove to be, or, of course, I 
would have stayed by his bed-side even to the neg- 
lect of my business duties. But I am satisfied my 
feeble efforts could not have saved his life. In my 
experience in the sick-room, covering many years, 
I have found it practically impossible to save a 
patient who firmly believes he is going to die. 

*'We must, now, however," said Dr. Jack, "make 
the necessary arrangements for the burial of our 
friend's mortal remains. Owing to the heat of 

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the season, the interment must take place not later 
than 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. 

"Gipson, you will drive over to Monticello and 
purchase a coffin. Get a nice one, also a neat, 
black suit of clothes. Here's the measurement for 
the suit and a hundred dollar check. Henry will 
remain here with me, as he had especial charge 
of Mr. St. George, during my absence from home. 
Ben and Reeves will serve as my special messen- 
gers. Sam and John will please superintend Tom, 
George and Uncle Pete in their work of preparing 
the grave. Have them to dig it under the shade 
of that large holly, near the bayou, where poor Mr. 
St. George loved to sit and look down upon the 
flowing waters, and dream about the mystery of 
a ring." 

Thus spoke Dr. Jack, and, as his several sons re- 
tired from the room in obedience to their respect- 
ive commands, he again addressed himself to Hen- 
ry, his eldest son, who, by the way, closely resemb- 
led the father both in physical appearance and ele- 
gance of deportment. Said the father, "It is a 
pity, considering the present circumstances, that 

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we know absolutely nothing as to the whereabouts 
of St. George's people. If, indeed, it be a fact, 
that any of his immediate family be now Hving, it 
seems passing strange that he should never, in any 
manner, have referred to them, especially during 
the time of his late illness. It is thus beyond our 
power to inform any such relatives as to his death, 
and to confer with them as to the future disposal 
of his remains. 

"But, by the way, I have not asked you whether 
or not he left any parting message for us?" **He 
remained noncommittal, as usual. Sir," replied 
Henry, "until within about an hour of his death; 
at which time he drew this package from his bos- 
om and handed it to me, requesting me to give it 
to you, upon your return. He also requested that, 
after you should read it, it should be replaced on 
his body and be buried with the same. Some 
time after this, he exclaimed: *God bless your 
generous father and may God richly bless you 
all!' And, then, he murmured a few words of 
prayer; by which time his voice had almost en- 
tirely failed him. He next repeated several times, 

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though indistinctly, the words Tell Dr. Taylor— 
that—' and thus strove hard to complete some 
message for you, but the effort resulted in a fail- 
ure to make me comprehend his meaning. Just 
before the end, he partially rallied from a spell of 
unconsciousness, raised himself up, with a last ef- 
fort, and cried loudly, 'How glad I am!'— then, 
falling back, with the sweetest smile I ever saw 
lighting up his face, he whispered, 'Myrtle, my 
darling! I am coming— to— to— you !' the last 
word being almost inaudible; drew one long 
breath, and was gone. 

Reverently the doctor opened the package, 
gently unfolding the silken covering on the out- 
side, next removing two thicknesses of fine tissue 
paper, revealing a letter written in the dainty, re- 
fined hand of a woman. The letter read as fol- 
lows: 

"Cavema Heights, Oct. 5th, 187— 
"My dear Henry : 

"In compliance with my recent promise, I write 
to inform you as to the result of my final interces- 
sion with my parents in behalf of our mutual at- 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

tachment and future hope of happiness. 

"Oh! my darhng! how can I find words to tell 
you of my present misery! My heart is surely 
breaking beneath the weight of it. I can never 
love another, and life without you would be unen- 
durable, a fate worse than death ! 

"They have tried to kill my love for you by 
their mockery; they have reasoned (?) with me 
'till my brain was wearied over their labored argu- 
ments ; begged me ; and, now, at last, commanded 
me to give you up forever under penalty of their 
parental curse, followed by life long banishment 
from their presence. Oh ! my God ! only to think 
of the lips of those to whom we owe our very ex- 
istence uttering curses upon our heads! But 
worst of all, and this is the fact that has con- 
strained me to submit to their wishes, even at 
what I solemnly feel shall be the cost of my earth- 
ly life, was my father's and my brother's threat to 
hound you throughout the wide world, in case we 
should wed, until they should meet with you, and 
shoot you down, and trample your dead body like 
a dog under their feet ! 

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''0! these silly, these wicked family feuds! Why 
should we be made thus to suffer, because, for- 
sooth, your great-grandfather killed my father's 
great uncle and namesake in an affair of honor, 
more properly speaking, of dishonor, called a 

duel?" 

"But, I cannot, cannot bear to go on thus ! 

**0 ! my dear one, my poor, wronged Harry ! God 
only knows how this may affect your future life! 
for I have every assurance, dear, that you love me 
devotedly with the one true love of a true man's 
life! And, 0! take courage! Do not forsake 
your God, in this, the hour of your bitter trial, and 
He will, in the end, overrule all things for the high- 
est good of us both. 

"Now, do not think me hard-hearted, darling, 
when I inform you I deem it best that we should, 
on earth, never meet again. Your presence and 
your eloquent pleading might, yes, I almost know 
it should, drive me madly into rebellion against 
those whom, I cannot doubt, would in such an 
event, shoot you down without mercy, and leave 
me to die an outcast dependent upon the cold char- 
ities of this world. 

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ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 

"I know that, in the nobility of your nature, you 
will heed this appeal, and respect this last wish 
of one who has loved you since her early child- 
hood. Such lives as ours, my Harry, though part- 
ed asunder, here, by the cruel chain of circum- 
stances that men call fate, are destined to a glad 
reunion in a world where all circumstances are 
under the control not of fallable man, even in a 
partial sense, as is the case on earth, but of an 
infallable God. So, unto Him, and to that future 
life, let us look for reparation. 

"I return to you the ring you gave me on my 
thirteenth birthday. 

**I well remember how my parents were vexed 
when I brought it home. But my father said, at 
length, Well, well, just let the child wear it for 
the present, it will not harm her, surely ; and, then, 
you have doubtless heard the old saw about love 
laughing at locksmiths. Believe me, 'tis much 
wiser to smile upon such childish amours than to 
attempt forcibly and rudely to discourage them. 

" 'Depend upon it, our Myrtle will, in good time, 
of her own accord, transfer her affections to a 
more acceptable suitor.' 

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*'Never-the-less, I have worn it proudly until 
this hour, and I, now, take it off my finger where 
you placed it, years ago, in order that you may 
wear it, dearest, as a lifelong reminder of my un- 
dying love for you. 

Farewell, my own true sweetheart, but not, 
thank God! forever! 

^'Invoking God's blessing upon you throughout 
life, I remain as always. 

Yours for both time and Eternity, 
''MYRTLE" 

At the end was a postscript written by St. 
George: "Died, of a broken heart, December 

23rd, 187 — Myrtle . ! God witness my 

vow ! Realizing that thine All-seeing eye is upon 
me, I do solemnly promise that I shall spend the 
remainder of my life in making preparation for 
eternal reunion with that one of whose love I 
hereby acknowledge myself never to have been 
worthy." 

"HENRY ST. GEORGE." 

Tenderly, indeed, did Dr. Jack replace the treas- 
ured letter upon the quiet bosom of another vic- 

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tim to parental hardness of heart. Then he re- 
folded the hands, so that the precious ring should 
lie uppermost. Tears were in the eyes of both 
father and son, as they drew the wide-spreading 
pall over the form of the youthful martyr, and 
gently pulled down the blinds at the windows. 

That night witnessed the final appearance of 
Pseudo-K on this particular stage of action. While 
the watchers alternately wakened and dozed in 
an adjoining room, Pseudo-K. crept, cat-like, into 
the death-chamber. Pausing a moment, to listen 
for approaching footsteps, he hears naught but 
the heavy breathing of the now sleeping watchers. 
An exultant smile breaks out upon his face, and 
his sensual lips quiver from anticipated pleasure. 
He rudely thrusts the pall aside, exposing the form 
of the unconscious sleeper. 

Surely if the dead could but, at times, awake to 
life, St. George must, now, have arisen, like a 
startled giant, to defend his own, and chastise the 
bold aggressor. But no, the mortal body, bereft 
of its spiritual tenant, the real man or woman, has 
become but a dull clod of earth, destined soon to 

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mingle itself with its fellow clods of the valley. 
Pseudo-K. cannot, in this instance, again insult 
poor, persecuted Henry St. George, since the latter 
is "no longer here." 

He has clutched the ring; with a quick move- 
ment of his hand he jerks it off the unresisting 
finger, and moves hastily toward the door, but not 
to escape with his long coveted booty; only to 
confront the advancing form of Dr. Jack, and to 
be felled to the floor by the doctor's fist. 

He would, doubtless, have been killed, forthwith, 
had not the united efforts of three strong boys, al- 
most grown to manhood, availed to pull his en- 
raged assailant off him. 

Dr. Jack finally compromised the matter, by 
kicking Pseudo-K. out of the house, after forbid- 
ding him, under the penalty of a dog's death, ever 
to set foot on the plantation again. Suffice it to 
say, in this connection, that Pseudo-K. was seen 
no more at Hollywood. 

The closing scene in our tragedy of love was a 
funeral, to which the people — men, women and 
children — for many miles around, flocked in con- 

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stantly increasing numbers, up to, and even after, 
the very hour publicly announced as the time of 
the burial. The sentimental young Henry Taylor 
had found it impossible to contain himself as to 
the facts of the letter, and the romantic story, 
with a 24-hour start before the funeral service, 
excited that entire section of the country to a 
fever heat of sympathy and expectation. St. 
George, at once, became enshrined in all hearts 
as a hero of heroes. The story of his love and 
mournful fate, with a thousand variations from 
the original, was told from house to house, until 
both St. George and Hollywood plantation became 
famous throughout all Southeastern Arkansas. 

The doctor's home was, for the time being, lit- 
erally taken possession of by throngs of kindly 
hearted, yet intensely excited women, married and 
single, rich and poor, the sweet faced country 
beauty and the neighboring planter's handsome 
and accomplished daughter. Flowers and floral 
emblems of every kind filled the death chamber, 
and later, nearly concealed the grave from human 
sight. Strong men vied with delicate women in 

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weeping over the minister's pathetic remarks and 
soul-stirring prayers. Throats choked up, while 
endeavoring to join in the singing; and, when 
they lowered the coffin into the grave, a scene oc- 
curred which beggars all the powers of descrip- 
tion. A number of the women fainted, others 
wrung their hands and cried aloud — few, very 
few, indeed, were able fully to control their feel- 
ings. The African and the Caucasian mingled 
their tears together, and united their voices in 
the general voice of lamentation. The scene illus- 
trated the universal democracy of human sym- 
pathy. 

Nearly a quarter of a century has passed away, 
kind reader, since that day of sorrow, yet the 
memory of it has not perished. Mothers have told 
our story to their children and their children's 
children, and St. George's lonely grave beside the 
winding bayou is still kept green by loving hands, 
for did not he suffer unto death for the sake of 
love? and who is it who doesn't know that "All 
the world loves a lover?" 

THE END. 
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We Shall Meet Again 



ARKANSAS SOUVENIRS 



We Shall Meet Again 

(In fraternal remembrance of Capt. Henry R. Taylor, 
who died at Waukesha, Wis., June 6, 1900. 

Capt. Taylor was noted for his courteous manners, 
and hospitable spirit.) 

The mystic veil my eyes behold 
That hides from earth the streets of gold, 
The gates of pearls, and lovely flowers 
That bloom in Heaven's unfading bowers. 
My bitter tears have ceased tw fall, 
For. through the meshes of that wall, 
My soul doth look upon thy face 
And each remembered feature trace. 

Oh, worthy Henry, dear, true friend! 
This earthly parting cannot end 
Our intercourse, our hearts estrange. 
For kindred natures never change. 
I'll hear the music of that land. 
My feet shall press its glorious strand; 
I'll be again thy favored guest, 
In mansion of eternal rest. 

Oh! fair is "Hollywood" below 
With cotton fields as white as snow; 
But fairer far and whiter, too. 
Shines saintly robe in Heaven's blue. 
From bayou's bank to Jordan's shore. 
We'll view life's pilgrimage once more; 
Share mutual joys that shall not cease. 
In realms of never ending peace. 

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